World Mental Health Day Promotes Importance of Mental Health Services

World Mental Health Day is recognized nationwide annually on October 10. So today, the City of North Chicago recognizes this day as a time to raise awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for better mental health support and services for all.

This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” reminds us of the importance of listening to people with lived experience and ensuring that mental health services are accessible, responsive, and effective for everyone.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS. ACCESS TO CARE MATTERS. EVERY VOICE MATTERS.

Millions of people continue to face barriers to mental health and substance use treatment. In the United States alone, nearly 30 million people lack access to the care they need. Behind these numbers are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. Mental health affects not only individuals, but also our families, schools, workplaces, and entire communities.

Mental Health by the Numbers

1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year.

1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6–17 experiences a mental health disorder each year.

1 in 20 U.S. adults experiences serious mental illness each year.

Why Access to Care Matters

Everyone deserves access to quality, community-based mental health services. Early support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people, helping build a foundation for well-being that can last into adulthood.

This World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to listening without judgment, breaking down barriers to care, reducing stigma, and amplifying the voices of those with lived experience.

Together, we can turn lived experiences into meaningful action and create a future where mental health support is accessible to all.

Local Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Here are several of the TOP resources serving the North Chicago and Lake County communities:

Lake County Health Department-847-377-8180 

Kids Above All-773-904-0348

Josselyn Center-224-505-5052

CYN Counseling Center (Community Youth Network)-847-548-6000

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)-847-249-1515 (ENGLISH)

224-818-6264 (SPANISH)